The World Economic Forum in Davos is typically where global leaders acknowledge significant shifts and transformation. This year, the conversation turned decisively toward cryptocurrency—not as a speculative gamble, but as a financial force governments and institutions can no longer ignore.

U.S. President Donald Trump's declaration that America will become "the world capital of artificial intelligence and crypto" seemed to be a signal. However, some financial analysts, including former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, have cautioned against the potential risks of regulatory gaps in the sector, emphasizing the need for clear oversight to prevent financial instability.

Having said this, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are no longer just a tool for traders – they are now an accepted institutional asset. In some cases, stablecoins have emerged as alternatives to legacy payment systems. And in places like Africa, where inflation, currency instability, and financial exclusion persist, crypto's true potential is being realized.

From speculative to sought-after

Bitcoin's origins are rooted in defiance—a response to the 2008 financial crisis that revealed the fragility of traditional banking. And in its early years, crypto was dismissed as little more than digital gambling, often prone to price swings and regulatory scrutiny.

The skepticism wasn't unfounded. From the ICO (Initial Coin Offering) in 2017 to meme coin mania, crypto often played into the speculative narrative. However, the shift is evident.

An African crypto pioneer

Founded in 2016 and launched across Africa in 2019, Yellowcard has been at the forefront of this shift. What started as a vision to simplify cryptocurrency access in underserved markets has evolved into one of the continent's most impactful fintech platforms.

Chris Maurice, CEO of Yellowcard, recalls the early days of the company and the skepticism they faced.

"When we moved to the continent in 2018, a lot of people thought crypto was a scam," he said in an interview with FORBES AFRICA. "The traditional financial system wasn't built for everyone, and crypto presented an alternative. The challenge was making it accessible."

That challenge is quickly being overcome. Yellowcard has since expanded to multiple African nations, offering users a seamless way to buy, sell, and store digital assets. The company is also capitalizing on the rapid adoption of stablecoins, which are increasingly being used for remittances, cross-border payments, and business transactions.